Ruth Charteris appointed Scotland's new Lord Advocate
It comes after Dorothy Bain announced her decision to step down after five years in the role
Ruth Charteris KC has been appointed Scotland’s new Lord Advocate following Dorothy Bain’s decision to step down.
First Minister John Swinney said Ms Charteris would bring a “wealth of experience” to the role.
She has served as the Solicitor General since 2021, which is the deputy to the Lord Advocate, Scotland’s top law officer.
BJ Gill KC has been appointed the new Solicitor General.
Ms Bain announced she was stepping down as head of the country's prosecution service last month, after five years in the role.
The Lord Advocate leads the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, and is also the chief legal adviser to the Scottish government.
However, there have long been calls to split these two functions.
These were renewed in recent weeks amid the fall-out over the Peter Murrell embezzlement scandal.
Ms Bain came under fire earlier this year after it emerged she had briefed the First Minister on aspects of the case unknown to the public at the time.
Mr Swinney said: “I am extremely pleased to be seeking parliament’s agreement to recommend Ruth Charteris KC and BJ Gill KC as Scotland’s law officers.
“Ruth Charteris brings a wealth of experience, having demonstrated outstanding legal expertise and leadership throughout her career including in her service as Solicitor General over the past five years.
“In that capacity she has earned widespread respect across the legal profession and beyond, making her exceptionally well qualified to serve as Scotland’s Lord Advocate.
“BJ Gill KC is a candidate of excellent calibre. Having previously been Standing Junior Counsel to the Advocate General for Scotland and the Home Office, he also has extensive experience and expertise in public law, including in significant constitutional cases before the United Kingdom Supreme Court.”
Ms Charteris said: “I thank the First Minister for nominating me to the office of Lord Advocate. I recognise the importance and the responsibility of this role and if I am appointed, it will be a great privilege to serve the people of Scotland.”
Mr Gill said he was “delighted and honoured to be recommended for this appointment”.
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